Maiko Sato Racquetball

WCW #28 – AKA Women Making Racquetball History Now! – Maiko Sato

Daily Racquetball’s Women Crush Wednesday Racquetball Influencers!

AKA Women Making Racquetball History Now!

We will feature another woman making racquetball history every Wednesday. Do you know someone else we should be celebrating with this interview and feature process? Drop us a line on Facebook!

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Name: Maiko Sato

Are you a pro player, coach, association board member, tournament organizer, or racquetball broadcaster AKA why do racquetball players know you?
Pro player / JPRF (Japan Racquetball Federation) Director / LPRT-Japan Vice-president

Where do you promote racquetball on social media and the web?
Personal Facebook page
Instagram
JPRF on Facebook

Country of Origin: Japan
Place you consider home: Tokyo

Have you ever been on your country’s national team? When?:
I have been a member of the national team since 2004.

When & how where you introduced to the competitive side of racquetball?
I learned racquetball by school class at the age of 18.

Playing hand: Right

Year you started playing racquetball: 1996

First female mentor or idol in racquetball:
I looked up to many of the players I saw when first participating in the pro stop of WPRO (LPRT).

Favorite racquetball shot: Back hand pass

Motivation for the game (what keeps you playing):
I like this sport. It does not get tired. Many friends were made with Racquet ball. That is very important to me. I am happy to be able to interact with those friends.

Love most about racquetball:
It gives me various opportunities. Racquet ball can challenge the world even a small Japanese person.

Preferred equipment: Racket, glove and clothes Prokennex!

Favorite events:
World championship
US OPEN
Asian Championship
Asia Open

Best results at tournaments you’ve played in:
World championship 2004 bronze medal
US OPEN 2014 OPEN Class 1st place
Asian Championship 2015.2017 silver medal
Asia Open 2014.2016 silver medal

Day job: Fitness trainer
In addition, I work as staff of Japan Racquet Ball Federation and LPRT-Japan.

Charity close to your heart:
JPRF and my company.
Both have continued social contribution activities for a long time.

Family shoutout: My parents and sister.

Other sports played in addition to racquetball: Racquetball is the only one now. Formerly volleyball.

What can we do to activate more female players?
Please introduce a lot of competition and players in several ways.
Please also spot the countries and players that are not yet powerful.

What is your hope for the future of racquetball?
I hope racquetball will be an event of the Olympic Games.

How do you feel is the best way to help grow the sport of racquetball?
That is the training of junior players in each country.

What do you do to train?
Weight training
stretch
Drill practice
Game practice

What is the biggest challenge you face right now as it comes to racquetball, and how do you work to overcome that challenge?
There is no professional system in Japan.
It is difficult to receive support for competition.
I would like to find a sponsor through competition promotion activities.

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Do you know someone else we should be celebrating with this interview and feature process? Drop us a line on Facebook!